It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of Mrs. Rose M. Volpe, a founder of the Friends of CSI and wife of Dr. Edmond L. Volpe, the first President of the College of Staten Island.
Mrs. Volpe was a visionary activist who dedicated her life to improving and enhancing Staten Island and the College. Her longtime commitment to the College by way of organizing the Starlight Ball is evident in the continuing tradition of excellence of the College’s Celestial Ball. She was also very active in encouraging extracurricular music and theater programs at the College, and in bringing cultural exhibitions and productions to the campus. The International Festival was a highly anticipated cultural event during its many years of celebrating diversity on Staten Island, while also facilitating a number of CSI scholarships.
Mrs. Volpe was presented with a College Award for Community Service in 1999, and the President’s Medal in 2011. For nearly four decades, she attended and planned many important College and community events, always bringing her inimitable grace, dignity, and charm.
Dr. and Mrs. Volpe’s family includes daughters Lisa Volpe and Rosalind Volpe Goodwin, and two grandchildren. Although originally from New Haven, CT, Mrs. Volpe’s heart always seemed to belong to Staten Island, and our Island has benefited greatly from her passion. Mrs. Volpe was a strong advocate for developing the National Lighthouse Museum, and actively supported the Staten Island Chamber Music Players. Recently, she was instrumental in ensuring that the troupe’s most valuable gifts, more than 750 pieces of the actual sheet music from which they played for 35 years, were gifted to the College as an archive and resource for students.
The College, as well as Staten Island, will forever reap the rewards of Dr. and Mrs. Volpe’s dedication and commitment to our community.
Please join Bonnie and me, and the entire CSI family, as we remember the Volpes during this time of sadness, and as we thank them for their enduring vision, joy, and passion.
